Rafael Nadal has his say on Jannik Sinner after Italian's doping controversy

Rafael Nadal has weighed in on World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's recent doping controversy, which has made headlines around the globe. The Spaniard expressed his support, saying he believed the Italian did not intentionally do anything wrong.

Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic substance Clostebol during the Indian Wells Masters in March, followed by another positive test eight days later. Despite these findings, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of any wrongdoing, concluding that the violation was unintentional.

The reigning Australian Open champion explained that the substance entered his system through a spray his physiotherapist used to treat a cut. As a result, he was not banned but had to forfeit the $325,000 in prize money and ranking points from Indian Wells. The incident became public knowledge in August.

Rafael Nadal, who is currently taking a break from the ATP Tour during what is expected to be the final season of his career, shared his thoughts on Jannik Sinner in an interview on the Spanish TV program 'El Hormiguero' on September 2.

"I have an advantage or a flaw, which is to believe in the good faith of people," Nadal said (translated from Spanish). "I know Sinner and I don't think he wanted to do drugs. Justice is justice and I don't think we should only like it when it's resolved the way we think it is."

"I believe in bodies that have to make decisions and make them based on what they believe is correct. I trust that if he was not punished it is because whoever had to judge this case clearly saw that what was there was not punishable. Everyone's opinion is respectable and mine is this," he added.

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Jannik Sinner on his doping saga: "I haven't done anything wrong"

Jannik Sinner pictured at the 2024 US Open | Image Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner addressed his doping controversy for the first time during a pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 US Open. He expressed relief, saying he knew he hadn't done anything wrong.

"It's not ideal before a Grand Slam," he said. "But, you know, in my mind I know that I haven't done anything wrong. I had to play already months with this in my head, but, you know, just remembering myself that I haven't done really anything wrong."

The Italian added:

"I always respect that these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping. Yeah, just obviously a relief for myself having this result. And, yeah, so it's just good to be back here."

Sinner has advanced to the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows, where he will face former tournament champion Daniil Medvedev on September 3.